Rowsley: A Peaceful Village on the Edge of the Haddon Estate
The lovely village of Rowsley lies on the very edge of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, close to both the Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall estates. It is a peaceful, pretty place, surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.
Planning a visit? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from top attractions and walking routes to practical tips for making the most of your trip to this beautiful Derbyshire village.
Riverside Rowsley
Rowsley is positioned at the point where the River Wye meets the River Derwent and there are many fabulous riverside walks starting from and passing through the village, including the long-distance footpath the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. The rivers attract anglers from all over the world, being home to wild rainbow trout, brown trout and grayling; the magazine ‘The Field’ once declared: ‘If you haven’t fished the Derbyshire Wye, you haven’t fished.’
Haddon Estate Connection
The village of Rowsley has long been associated with the Haddon Hall estate. The Manners family of Haddon funded the building of the village hall, church, school and recreation field.
Rowsley Today
Today, Rowsley is a thriving place with a close-knit community. It has a good collection of independent shops, including a wonderful art gallery and two popular pubs, both serving great food and fine ales. The Peacock is Grade II-listed and dates from 1652, originally built as a manor house. The Grouse and Claret was built after the arrival of the railway in 1849, at which time it was the Station Hotel.
The pretty church of St Katherine’s is relatively new, dating from 1855. A beautiful building constructed of local stone, it contains the tomb of the first wife of the 7th Duke of Rutland, Lady Catherine Manners, who died in 1859.
Peak Rail
Rowsley South is the terminus for the preserved heritage railway line Peak Rail, which runs into Matlock. The line was once operational as the Midland Railway line that linked Derby and Manchester, cutting through the Peak District.
The original station at Rowsley was designed by Joseph Paxton, who also designed the Crystal Palace in London, and was opened in 1849. It was a popular route; at the turn of the century more than 17,000 wagons per week passed through the station and King Edward VII used it when he visited Chatsworth House. Despite this, Rowsley was a victim of the ‘Beeching Cuts’ and the line was closed in 1967.
Peak Rail
Visit www.peakrail.co.uk for more information on journey details and prices.
Where to Stay in Rowsley
Rowsley offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From the historic Peacock Inn to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- The Peacock at Rowsley – Grade II-listed historic inn
- The Grouse and Claret – traditional pub with rooms
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Rowsley Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for riverside walks. Autumn brings stunning colours to the surrounding countryside.
- Getting There: Rowsley is accessible by car via the A6, located between Matlock and Bakewell.
- Parking: There is parking available in the village, including near the pubs and railway station.
- Don’t Miss: The riverside walks where the Wye meets the Derwent, and the heritage trains at Peak Rail.
- Explore: Nearby Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are both within easy reach of the village.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rowsley
Is Rowsley worth visiting?
Absolutely! Rowsley is a peaceful, pretty village with excellent riverside walks, historic pubs, a beautiful church, and the heritage Peak Rail railway. It is also perfectly located for visiting Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall.
What is Rowsley famous for?
Rowsley is famous for its position where the River Wye meets the River Derwent, its association with both the Chatsworth and Haddon Hall estates, its historic pubs, and its heritage railway at Peak Rail.
What is Peak Rail?
Peak Rail is a preserved heritage railway line that runs from Rowsley South into Matlock. The original station was designed by Joseph Paxton and opened in 1849.
How old is The Peacock Inn?
The Peacock Inn is a Grade II-listed building dating from 1652, originally built as a manor house.
Is there fishing in Rowsley?
Yes! The rivers around Rowsley are home to wild rainbow trout, brown trout and grayling, attracting anglers from all over the world.
Is there parking in Rowsley?
Yes, there is parking available in the village, including near the pubs and the railway station.
For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide and plan your adventure in this remarkable part of Derbyshire.
🥾 Explore Near Rowsley
Discover walks, attractions, pubs, and more within the local area
- Bakewell Visitor Centre 2.9 miles
- Chatsworth and Edensor Walk (3.8 miles) 1.7 miles
- Youlgreave via Lathkill Dale (7.6 miles) 2.9 miles
- Bakewell Walk via Ashford-in-the-Water (6 miles) 2.9 miles
- Robin Hood's Stride (2.7 miles) 3.7 miles
- The Peacock at Rowsley 0.1 miles
- The Beeley Inn 1.2 miles
- The Charleston 2.9 miles
- Peak Village 0.2 miles
- The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop 2.9 miles
- Hassop Station Café & Monsal Trail Cycle Hire 3.8 miles
- The Peacock at Rowsley 0.1 miles
- The Beeley Inn 1.2 miles
- Peak Pods 2 miles
- Boulder Field Cabin & Hot Tub 2.5 miles
- Peak Rail 1.1 miles
- Haddon Hall 1.4 miles
- Chatsworth House 2.7 miles
- Matlock Farm Park 3.5 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
